Skip to content

Sugar Push: How to Do the Step, Count and Common Mistakes

Get ready to learn the Sugar Push, a fundamental 6-count pattern you will see all the time in West Coast Swing. As a beginner, this is your bread and butter! In this move, the follower comes forward into the leader's space and is gently sent right back down the slot. It is a fantastic way to practice connection and timing on the dance floor.

Step card

Count
1, 2, 3-and-4, 5-and-6
Level
Beginner
Found in
West Coast Swing
In short
A 6-count pattern where the follower comes in and is sent back down the slot

The timing

step (weight change) touch, kick or sound hold

How to do it

  1. On count 1, take a walking step with a clear weight change.
  2. On count 2, take a step to bring the partners close together.
  3. On counts 3-and-4, perform a triple step to absorb the forward energy.
  4. On counts 5-and-6, execute your final triple step in place to anchor and stretch away.

Tips

  • Keep your knees soft and your weight slightly forward over the balls of your feet.
  • Maintain a gentle, elastic connection in your arms rather than pulling tightly.
  • Make sure your anchor step on 5-and-6 stays in place instead of traveling.

Common mistakes

  • Anticipating the push. Wait for the physical connection on count 3 instead of backing up early.
  • Stiff arms. Keep a slight bend in your elbows so you can absorb the energy safely.
  • Skipping the anchor. Truly settle your weight back on the final triple step to create good stretch.

Variations and practice

  • Practice the footwork solo without a partner to master the 6-count rhythm.
  • Add a subtle hip sway during the anchor step on counts 5-and-6 for extra musicality.
  • Try the Sugar Push using a single handhold.

Related steps

When to check in with a doctor or physical therapist

  • Pain in a knee, ankle or hip that sharpens when you turn, pivot or land
  • Dizziness, chest discomfort or unusual shortness of breath
  • Pain that is still there the next day or keeps coming back after practice

General information, not medical advice. If you have a heart, joint or balance condition, are pregnant or are returning after an injury, check with your doctor or physical therapist before starting a new dance workout.

How this page was made. Step data (count, timing pattern, level, styles) compiled by the Rhythm Desk from common teaching practice; counts can differ between teachers. Text drafted with AI assistance and checked by the Rhythm Desk; see how we write. Last checked October 2026.